I am working on creating a new scenario and was wondering, how does China group its surface ships?

 

Do they have groups similar to US destroyer squadron? Or carrier battle groups?

 

I understand they just commissioned their first carrier so they probably have not completely established their naval strategy, but with other surface ships, is there any methodology the PLAN uses?

 

Thanks for any help, this site and forum has been such a blessing

 

They have appeared to be fairly small and loosely organized task forces.

A recent exercise, for example, had two destroyers, two frigates and a supply ship.

As you say, this is going to be evolving with the introduction of Liaoning and future carriers.

Of relevant interest. These ships were operating together last week:

Type 071 Yuzhao class amphibious dock landing ship Jinggangshan (999)
Type 052C Luyang II class guided missile destroyer Lanzhou (170)
Type 054A Jiangkai II class guided missile frigate Yulin (569)
Type 054A Jiangkai II class guided missile frigate Hengshui (572)

South China Sea Fleet Conducts Combat Readiness Patrol and High-Sea Training (Defense Aerospace)